North Polk School Board approves 10¢ increase in breakfast and lunch prices

The North Polk Community School District Board convened on June 17, 2025, to discuss important updates regarding meal pricing for the upcoming fiscal year. A key focus of the meeting was the necessity to adjust meal prices in response to rising costs, particularly for adult meals, which are mandated by state regulations.

The board reported that the adult meal price has increased from $4.70 to $4.97, reflecting a significant hike of 27 cents, or approximately 5 to 6%. In light of this, the board proposed a modest increase of 10 cents for both breakfast and lunch prices, which translates to about a 3% rise. This decision was made after careful consideration of the district's financial health, including a fund balance that exceeds the federal guideline of three months' worth of expenditures.

The board emphasized the importance of remaining competitive with neighboring districts, noting that their proposed prices would place them in the middle range compared to schools in the area, such as Ballard and Bondurant. They acknowledged the challenge of balancing meal costs with the need to provide appealing options for students, highlighting popular items like boneless chicken nuggets and the "wouldo bowl" that have garnered positive feedback.

In addition to meal pricing, the board discussed the overall financial landscape of the district, revealing that revenues from meal services have fluctuated in recent years, with fiscal year 2024 projected at approximately $1.68 million. The board is committed to maintaining affordability for families while ensuring that the quality of meals meets student preferences.

The proposed meal price adjustments were unanimously approved by the board, reflecting a consensus on the need to adapt to changing economic conditions while prioritizing student nutrition and satisfaction. As the district moves forward, it will continue to monitor costs and seek feedback from the community to ensure that meal offerings remain both nutritious and appealing.